Western tanager Piranga ludoviciana

Identification Tips:

• Length: 6.25 inches
• Pointed, but fairly stout, pale bill
• Inhabits treetops

Adult male alternate:

• Bright red face
• Yellow neck, underparts, rump and shoulder
• Black back, wings and tail
• White wing bar

Adult female:

• Yellow head and underparts
• Olive-gray back
• Gray wings with white wing bars
• Basic and immature plumages similar to female

Similar species:

The male Western Tanager is striking and easily identified. Females can be told from other female tanagers by the white wing bars. Female orioles are thinner-billed and longer-tailed.

Length and wingspan from: Robbins, C.S., Bruun, B., Zim, H.S., (1966). Birds of North America. New York: Western Publishing Company, Inc.